James Hetfield has spent over 40 years years as Metallica's guitarist and vocalist. As the man at the helm of the biggest metal band on the planet (this isn't hyperbole – we've got the stats), he's travelled the world and charted the course of modern metal while doing it.
It's not all been plain sailing. A tough upbringing in a staunchly religious family made Hetfield a natural fit for the role of the 'outsider', while Metallica suffered the ultimate blow when their beloved bassist, Cliff Burton, died in 1986.
